Montana's Flight Across America Returns

MDT - Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division Vol. 53 No. 11 November 2002 Montana’s Flight Across America Returns By: Dave Miller, Bozeman (Montana’s Flag Bearer)

For those of you that had not heard, “Flight even more interesting, I was in the middle I left Montana on the 3rd, around 4:00 PM). Across America – FLAA” was an effort to of an engine up grade. The flying club I As I taxied back down the dark runway I’d honor those who lost their lives on 9-11 belong to has two 172’s and as luck would just landed on, it appeared as though I had and more. Our freedom of Flight had been have it, when I called to reserve one as a landed on a deserted airport. Finally I saw used as a weapon against us, for such a ter- back up, both had already been reserved. a light down behind the hangers and tax- rible act, that it literally shook the founda- That meant I had no options. I had to get ied towards it. As I got closer, I realized I tion of our way of life, and “Our Freedom” that engine installed and running with no was not alone. There were about 50 to 60 Because aviation had been used against problems. As luck would have it, I had lots people in the pavilion. When I shut down us, FLAA was also an effort to use the Spirit of problems. Lack of time was my biggest my engine & opened my canopy, someone of Aviation, and the freedom it represents, problem. But with lots of help and lots of in the dark simply asked, “Montana”? My to inspire the nation and contribute to the hours, it happened. I had 2 hours on the reply was an equally simple, “Montana”! healing process. This effort was repre- engine when I headed to our capital, Hel- The response to that was amazing. I think sented by one volunteer pilot from each ena, Montana to pick up the flag. The rest everyone of those people stood up and state, delivering their State Flag to the is history. Some of that history I’ll never cheered & clapped. From that moment on, people of New York to show unity and sup- forget. My first encounter with the other I knew I was among friends. That experi- port. Flag Bearers is one I have to share with ence alone made the trip. So again I want It was a tremendous honor to have been you. to simply say “Thank you”! This was a the Flag Bearer for Montana on the “Flight It was late in the evening, on the 5th of good mission. The fantastic people I met Across America”. Now that I am safely September, when I finally arrived at during the preparation and during my trip back home, and reflecting on what I had Somerset, PA. It had been a long day, and I made it so, and I am very proud to have the honor to be part of, I can honestly say was tired. (Lets face it; I was tired the day been able to represent Montana. that it was one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever been involved in. When I was given the opportunity to represent my be- loved state of Montana, I had a lot of mixed feelings. Naturally, I was very proud and humbled to have been chosen. That was the easy part. But when the coordinator simply asked me if I would make the com- mitment, I hesitated. I took two days to worry about the responsibilities I was about to accept. Thank God I had the strength to say yes. I’ve been a firefighter for over 35 years now, and I’d like to think I know what its like to make a commitment. Well, I’d be lying if I didn’t tell everyone, this one had me worried. The airplane I wanted to use was a home built experimental that took Montana Flag Bearer, Dave Miller, Local 613, Bozeman, Montana – 4th from the left, top me 13 years to build. And to make things row. We congratulate and thank Dave for representing the GREAT State of Montana! Administrator’s Column

Rural Mail Delivery Threat- First Flight has happened! On th ened: The United States Postal Service October 26 a historic Lockheed P-38F has announced it will end all rural airmail fighter from WWII made its first flight in contracts by May 2003 and use ground more than 60 years. It was one of eight P- transportation exclusively. Alpine Air of 38s and two B-17s en route to England on Provo, Utah flys over 50,000 lbs of mail a July 7, 1942, that encountered bad day in Montana. Representative Denny weather, ran low on fuel and made pre- Rehberg has issued a press release and cautionary landings on the Greenland ice joined eight colleagues in a letter to the post cap. The crews were rescued, but the air- office urging the decision be reserved. In- craft became entombed in the ice. The terested parties should submit comments 1993 aviation conference featured Rich- to Montana’s congressional delegation. ard Taylor and Patrick Epps founders of For more information please call the Divi- the Greenland Expedition society who sion at 444-2506.( spoke of their first recovery venture in 1981. In 1992, Glacier Girl was recov- Customs Information: General ered from beneath 268 feet of ice. For more Debbie K. Alke, Administrator aviation customs service at the Great Falls information tune into the history channel International Airport has been suspended on March 3, 2003 at 9:00 PM EST for a indefinitely due to the terminal remodel documentary on The Lost Squadron or go project underway at the facility. Aircraft to www.thelostsquadron.com .( are being referred to Cut Bank, Helena or Montana and the Sky Butte. A recent hiring freeze for part-time Department of Transportation employees has delayed any progress in se- Judy Martz, Governor curing a customs agent for Glasgow. ( David A. Galt, Director

Change in Senate Means Official monthly publication of the Changes for Aviation: An impor- Aeronautics Division tant outcome of the recent elections for the Telephone - (406) 444-2506 aviation subcommittee is the upcoming Fax - (406) 444-2519 change of key Senate committee chairman- P.O. Box 5178 ships—particularly the Senate Committee Helena, MT 59604 on Commerce, Science and Transportation http://www.mdt.state.mt.us/aeronautics/ that oversees the DOT and FAA and au- Debbie K. Alke, thors legislation that sets spending limits Administrator for these departments. Sen. John McCain Aeronautics Board (R-AZ), who has not always supported gen- John Rabenberg, Chairman eral aviation issues will take over the gavel Frank Bass, Member from Sen. Fritz Hollings (D-SC), a long- Craig Denney, Member time supporter of GA. The Senate Appro- JoAnn Eisenzimer, Member priations Committee, will see a change in Lanny Hanson, Member leadership as well—it reverts from Sen. Will Metz, Member Robert Byrd (D-WV) to pilot Sen. Ted Bob Palmersheim, Member Stevens (R-AK). In the Senate Ted Stevens Kenneth Tolliver, Member (AK), Tom Harkin (IA), Jim Inhofe (OK), The forgotten man – Charles Taylor – George Warner, Member and House members Robin Hayes (NC), of the Wright brothers’ historic first Leonard Boswell (IA), Pat Toomey (PA), powered, man flight will be honored Montana and the Sky Charlie Bass (NH) and Vern Ehlers (MI) with a memorial to be built at Wright are all returning members to Congress and State University in Dayton, Ohio. Tay- is published monthly AOPA members. Five new AOPA mem- lor was a design engineer, machinist, in the interest of aviation in the bers will join Capitol Hill—Steve Pearce and mechanic for the Wrights. The State of Montana. (NM), John Kline (MN), Michael Burgess Aviation Maintenance Career Com- Third Class postage paid at (TX), Chris Chocola (IN) and William mission worked with the university to Helena, Montana 59604 Subscription: $5 per year Janklow (SD). ( develop the memorial. The ground breaking is set for May 24, 2003. Editor: Patty Kautz

2 Calendar Art Contest’s January 16 & 17, 2003 – Aeronautics Board Loan & Grant Review – Helena. For Celebrate information phone (406) 444-2506. January 24-26, 2003 - Winter Survival Clinic - Helena. For further information Flight phone Montana Aeronautics Division (406) 444-2506. February 7& 8, 2003 – Flight Instructor Refresher Clinic – Helena. For further information phone Montana Aeronautics Division (406) 444-2506. This year’s Montana Aeronautics Division February 27 – March 1, 2003 – Montana Aviation Conference, Holiday Inn, Aviation Awareness Art Contest celebrates Missoula – (800) 399-0408 or (406) 721-8550. For further information phone Mon- “100 Years of Powered Flight” commemo- tana Aeronautics Division (406) 444-2506. rating the centennial of the Wright Broth- ers’ first powered flight on the sands at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, on Decem- ber 17, 1903. First place entries receive a round trip flight from the winner’s home- Montana Aviation town to Helena for the winner and his/her parents, a trophy and certificate of achieve- Conference ment presented by the Governor and a ca- February 27 – March 1, 2003 reer awareness tour of the Helena Regional Mark your calendar now!!! Airport. The grand prize for entrants 16 to 18 years of age includes paid tuition to at- tend the 2003 Experimental Aircraft As- Holiday Inn Parkside sociation (EAA) Air Academy & EAA Fly- (406) 721-8550 In Convention in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The deadline for this year’s contest is March Missoula, Montana 29, 2003. For further contest information Room rates $65 + tax please phone Montana Aeronautics Divi- Reserve your room early. sion (406) 444-2506 or email: [email protected]. The 2003 International Aviation Art Watch for registration Contest also celebrates 100 years of pow- information coming soon!! ered flight with their annual art contest. Entries must be postmarked by January 10, 2003 and sent to Montana Aeronautics Di- vision, PO Box 5178, Helena, MT 59604. For a flyer and more information on the Safety & Education Bureau contest please contact the Montana Aero- nautics Division (406) 444-2506 or email: [email protected]. The EAA Sport Aviation Art Competi- Patty & Jeanne promoted aviation tion is the world’s longest running avia- education at the 2002 MEA-MFT tion art contest. Youth entries are due by Educators’ Conference in Missoula May 12, 2003 and adult entries by March on October 17 & 18. Jeanne also did a presentation on Flight Plan- 28, 2003. For more information regarding ning “You Take the High Road and the EAA Aviation Art Competition contact I’ll Take the Low Road” showing Katie Cheesebro at (920) 426-6880 or educators how to plan and plot a email: [email protected]. course between two airports, cal- culate distance traveled using wind direction and speed, plan for fuel burn, and interpret symbols and physical landscape on the aeronau- tical chart.

3 Ride of a Lifetime By: Jim Greil, Chief Airports/Airways Bureau Thursday, August 15th, 2002 will be a day I am not likely to ever forget. I had the very unique opportunity to do something that countless numbers of aviation enthusiasts have dreamed of doing but very rarely ever get the chance to. The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is the free world’s most well-known advanced jet fighter aircraft and the cornerstone of the United States Air Force. It is arguably the most maneuverable military aircraft in the world, and for nearly two hours, I had the opportunity to put it through its paces. Devoting a good majority of my working career to Montana Aeronautics Division service, I appreciate the fantastic opportunities it affords me that I otherwise would never have, and my flight in the F-16 was definitely one of them. The Montana Aeronautics Division has a long-standing, good working rela- tionship with the Montana Air National Guard (MANG). Over the years, one of our contacts with the MANG has been intensely involved with our Division and exemplifies the best that our armed forces have to offer. Lieutenant Colo- nel Bill Schultz of the 120th Fighter Wing of the MANG has represented MANG interests to the Aeronautics Division for many years. More recently, the MANG has been involved with a proposal involving the creation of restricted use air- space within the Hays MOA in North Central Montana for the purpose of per- forming practice bombing missions. Currently, to do this type of training, the 120th has to fly as far as Utah. During discussions with the MANG over the proposal and it’s potential effects on aviation in Montana, Lt. Col. Schultz did a I feel the need - the need for speed!! number of presentations, including a very informative lecture to our Aeronau- tics Board at it’s annual meeting in West Yellowstone in June. The seed of the orientation flight in the F-16 with one of our representatives was discussed at this meeting. The purpose of the flight would be to better demonstrate the operation of the 120th fighter wing operations and F-16 aircraft within the Hays MOA, and to show the additional need for restricted airspace. After some wrangling with the red tape, which included some items concerning national security and medical fitness, we were given a green light to proceed. A departure date was set, August 15th at 1600. It is hard to squeeze the day’s experiences into the margins of this newsletter, but I’m sure that if any of you squeezed my arm, I would and could sit and talk to you for hours about all that happened. In order to properly prepare me for the flight, I arrived at the MANG facility in Great Falls at 1100. After lunch and a lengthy F-16 simulator checkout, I was taken to life support for the fitting of my Nomex flight suit, boots, gloves, parachute harness and G-suit. Life support also fitted me for my helmet and oxygen mask. Nothing will crank up your anticipation level like catching yourself in the mirror while wearing this stuff. After some more ejection seat and emergency training, I was finally ready for the pre-flight briefing. Once again, I could speak for hours, but suffice it to say that the MANG facility is a state-of-the-art center of warfare, and woe be the adversary who locks horns with the technology and preparedness of the US Air Force. After pre-flight, we exited to the flight line and strapped ourselves into the F-16 block 50 D model, N-number AF86046. Advancing the throttle to full afterburner, Lt. Col. Schultz eased the aircraft from a dead stop to a near vertical attitude in an incredibly short amount of runway. The seat pressing acceleration of the 29,000 lb thrust of the jet is indescribable. It was the greatest feeling of acceleration I had ever felt. After takeoff and departure of the area, we quickly passed over Great Falls enroute to the Hays MOA. Level at FL150, Bill said those words to me that I have wanted to hear my entire life, “You take the F-16”. Initially I tried to just keep it straight and level and my airspeed to about 350 knots, but I soon found myself simply wiggling the jet side to side just to get a feel for it. I cannot describe the feeling I had just to know that I was sitting in an F-16, controlling its flight. After very quickly arriving at the airspace, Lt. Col. Schultz took the controls back and proceeded to demonstrate the MANG practice bombing routine. It was not unusual for us to pull 5 to 7 Gs while we twisted and turned at less than 500 feet and in excess of 500 knots during the bombing exercise. After the bomb delivery and HUD demonstration, Lt. Col. Bill Schultz gave me permission to do what I was busting at the seams to do, take control of the aircraft and “give it to it”. Because of the two under wing fuel tanks we were carrying, he requested that I keep the aircraft under 7½ Gs until they were drained. The F-16 will normally limit the operator to 9 Gs. The first maneuver I attempted was a simple loop. After entering the loop at approximately 11,000 MSL at 400 kts, I applied a continual backpressure to the stick to obtain 4 Gs. As we were rounding out the top of the loop a quick glance at my altimeter showed 18,500 feet. WOW, an 8000 ft vertical 4G loop. Hard to do that in a Cessna! After the initial loop, I really started to have some fun doing all sorts of aerobatics, with twists and turns and high Gs and afterburners and just about anything else you can imagine. At one point, we slowed the aircraft down to 300 knots, then lit the afterburners to demonstrate it’s thrust and speed to 600 knots. I didn’t time it,

continued page 4 4 continued... but it literally just took a matter of a few seconds. Overall, it is easy to see that the F-16 is a young man’s airplane. If you push it, this aircraft will drain and disable you long before you run out of gas. As far as the flight characteristics are concerned, it is undoubtedly the easiest aircraft I have ever flown, and without a doubt, the saf- est. It is impossible to put the aircraft into a configuration in which it will stall, spin or depart from controlled flight simply be- cause if the aircraft is in danger, the com- puter will automatically take over the con- trols until normal flight is restored. We tried to depart the normal flight envelope in many different ways and in several con- figurations only to be “saved” by the com- puter. “Top Gun” Jim Greil and Lt. Col. Bill Schultz After I had the controls for nearly an hour, (except for the times I made use of the air sickness bag), Lt. Col. Schultz resumed control of the aircraft and we departed the Hays Moa to buzz down over the Crazy mountains, over fly Livingston and Bozeman and then to shoot two approaches into the Helena Airport. So many times I watched F-16s buzz by our offices never realizing that someday I would be amongst them. After doing the two approaches into Helena, we departed back to Great Falls and shot 4 approaches in the pattern, which incidentally included several 4 G turns within the pattern itself. Finally the time came to land and I felt a very distinct sadness come over me as soon as we touched down, for I knew that although I had just partaken of an experience few will ever get to realize, I also knew that it may very well be my last. After we finally parked, we exited the aircraft and proceeded to do a short de-brief and mission evaluation. I presented Lt. Col. Schultz with some token Aeronautics Division memorabilia, which hardly seemed a fair trade for the experience that I just had. After all was over and I was making my way back to Helena by car, several indelible impressions seemed to solidify in my mind regarding the trip and what I had learned. I understood that I will never again fly through a MOA without first checking its activity as it was much more Dangerous to do so than I had ever imagined. I wished that there were a system in place to allow more people to experience, even if on a smaller scale, the same thing I had. I was also amazed at how accurate and realistic the widely available computer F-16 flights sims are. I was satisfied to know that the experience of flying the F-16 was everything that I had hoped it would be and I discovered that the MANG was more than I had ever realized. Their mission is one of the highest importance, and they have been a great partner to Montana aviation. In the end, it is clear to see the need for the restricted airspace that the MANG is proposing within the Hays MOA, and I am somewhat shocked that it had never been implemented before. I cannot offer enough thanks to Lt. Col. Bill Schultz for making all of this possible for the Aeronautics Division and myself. It truly was, the ride of a lifetime. Big Sky Airlines Offers New Route

Big Sky Airlines has announced plans to begin a new route combining service between Casper and Gillette, Wyoming and Billings, Montana, which became effective October 21, 2002. Kim Champney, President and CEO commented, “We are pleased to announce this new service. In addition, we wish to express our gratitude to everyone in Casper and Gillette that helped make this all happen.” Big Sky will operate three flights Monday through Friday and a reduced schedule on the weekends. The schedule allows for travel between these cities, as well as inbound and outbound connections via Billings, to many other cities in Montana, Boise, Idaho, and Spokane, Washington, all served by Big Sky Airlines. These arrangements provide more competitive connecting fares, simplified ticketing, baggage transfers, and frequent flier programs. Travelers connecting to these carriers will earn mileage credit for the portion flown on Big Sky Airlines. Special introductory fares of $99.00 (does not include taxes) one-way between Casper and Billings and $60.00 (does not include taxes) one-way between Gillette and Billings are available. The fares are good for travel beginning October 21, 2002 with travel having to be completed by December 1, 2002. This special fare will require no advance purchase. How- ever, advance reservations are still recommended. Special medical fares are also offered. A fare of $50.00 (not including taxes) one-way between Gillette and Casper is available any time.

5 Glasgow Pilots Relive 1947 County Air Tour Adapted from Glasgow Courier, By: Samar Fay

After World War II, times were pretty good in Valley County. Men returned from the war anx- ious to resume their lives in town or in the coun- try. Many had learned to fly during the war, and the rest seemed to want to learn. “There was a wave of people from the north country, Opheim, Glentana and Thoeny, a whole bunch of ordinary people, farmers and ranchers, who learned to fly,” said Kenneth Newton. “People wanted to be a part of the air world.” Newton recalls the popularity and availabil- ity of airplanes in those days. After the war people had a little money and a plane was not expensive then. According to O.E. Markle, a stripped-down Cub at the factory cost $999. It came in a boxcar. That was with single ignition and no brakes, by the way. The tail wheel was extra, C.D. Markle Steve Stanley flies from Glasgow to Hinsdale in his 1953 Piper Tri-Pacer with his brother, added. A Cub cost about $1,200 fully equipped. Scott. At that time, Valley County was said to have the largest percentage of aircraft per capita in the United States. In 1947, 18 of these local aircraft flew in a Valley County Air Tour sponsored by Valley Fliers, Inc. That group was a forerunner of the Valley Hangar, the present-day pilots’ organization in Glasgow. Several of those pilots, or their sons, are still in the area. On Saturday, October 26, 2002, 55 years later, some of them gathered for another tour and a special picture. Six airplanes started, joined midway by a seventh. Alden Smith, 81, an original pilot, sat in the co-pilot’s seat in a 1977 Cessna 180 with Lanny Hanson. Other veterans of the 1947 tour who came to the Glasgow airport to reminisce were C.D. Markle, O.E. Markle and Kenneth Newton. A number of local men whose fathers, now deceased, had made the tour came to see the flight take off. Two flew their planes as their fathers had done. John Saubak’s father, Cliff, was an original tour pilot, as was Lanny Hanson’s father, Lavonn. Gary Martin was there. His father, Scotty, was in the old group. Doug Allie, Sam Allie’s son, and Tim Jennings, Ellis Jennings’ son, also came. The flight took off at 9:30 a.m. under cloudy skies, with a forecast of snow. John Saubak flew his 1953 Cessna 170 with his chocolate Lab, Oscar, who is his regular co-pilot. Tom Klotz had Paul Olszewski along in his 1967 Cessna 172. Steve Stanley’s companion in the 1953 Piper Tri-Pacer was his brother, Scott. Ken James piloted his 1970 Cessna 172. Hanson and Smith could fly by everyone in the powerful 180. Walter Bell let this reporter hitchhike along in his “Easter egg,” a bright blue and yellow 1948 Cessna 140, the antique plane of the group.The first destination was Hinsdale, where Dean Jensen, his son, Darrin, and his brother, Paul, had staked out a blue tarp as a target for the flour bombs. The pilots all landed on the 2,200-foot turf strip, chatted with the Jensens, then loaded up again, bound for Opheim. The tour departed Opheim at 11:15 a.m. headed southeast in the snow, landing at the fine Olfert ranch strip half an hour later. The tour benefited by sharing a sumptuous barbecue. Looking at the weather, the pilots decided not to fly over Frazer, the confluence of the Milk and Missouri Rivers, Fort Peck, and the Elkram strip south of the Fort Peck Dam on the shore of the lake, in case the ceiling at Glasgow closed down. But south of the Olferts’ ranch, they flew out of the snow, so they decided to do Fort Peck and Elkram anyway. They touched down at Fort Peck, then headed to Elkram. The seven aircraft returned to Glasgow at 2 p.m. where Jeanne MacPherson gave a winter survival talk and pulled out all the emergency equipment in the backpack she always flies with. The last stop of the 2002 Valley County Air Tour was the VFW Club, where the day’s stories were Valley County Air Tour stopped at the Fort Peck Airport pictured (l-r) are Ken James, stitched together with other stories of 55 years ago. Tom Klotz, Paul Olszewski, Walter Bell, Samar Fay, John Saubak and his co-pilot Oscar. 6 Scholarship Opportunities In Memory Montana is very fortunate to have many generous individuals and organizations that believe in promoting aviation by offering monetary assistance to qualified persons. The Willard L. Aeronautics Division assists in administering some of these scholarships and encour- ages participation. The scholarships are offered to a Montanan to help defray costs of “Willy” Rimby education (i.e., flight instruction, A&P, ect.) and will be presented during the 2003 Mon- tana Aviation Conference in Missoula. Awarding of the scholarships will be based on a letter explaining the reasons for applying, future career goals, past aviation experience, if any, and any outstanding achievements. Letters of application should be sent to Mon- tana Aeronautics Division, PO Box 5178, Helena, MT 59604 or call (406) 444-2506 for further information. Letters must be postmarked on or before January 24, 2003.

A Love of Aviation (ALOA) Scholarship – An anonymous donor established the first $250 scholarship in 1993 and a second donor offered another $250 scholarship in 1997.

Aviation Appreciation Scholarship – Jeff Morrison, retired former owner of Morrison Flying Service in Helena has established the $300 scholarship as a token of appreciation to the aviation community. Longtime Montana pilot, A&P and fixed based operator Willy Rimby passed away Montana Antique Aircraft Association (MAAA) Scholarship – MAAA offers this in the early morning hours of February $500 scholarship to help defray the costs of flight instruction. 12th, 2002. Willy was born Dec. 5th 1928 in Denton Parrott Family Scholarship – The Parrott Family offers this $1,000 scholarship to be Montana. Willy soloed a J-3 Cub at the used over a one-year period for pilot training programs for students enrolled in the Denton airport in July of 1945. His flight Rocky Mountain College (RMC) aviation program. The funds may be used for tuition training was put on hold when he enlisted in the RMC aviation program, and/or flight training expenses leading to a Private, Com- in the U.S. Marine Corps and served from mercial, or Flight Instructor Certificate, and may include Instrument and Multiengine 1946-47 as a crewmember on the Douglas simulator training, and the purchase of aviation related materials and related supplies. R5C (C-54) based at MCAS El Toro, Cali- fornia. Willy finally earned his private li- AOM Flight Training Scholarship – AOM has established this $500 scholarship to cense in 1947 and his A&E (A&P) license financially assist a student pilot in obtaining their private pilot certificate. in 1948. He married his wife of 53 years Patricia Johnson in September of 1949. Montana Pilots Association Junior Pilot Award – This recipient is chosen for out- Willy eventually worked for Frontier standing interest in aviation, citizenship within their community and demonstrated aca- Airlines in Denver as a mechanic on the demic achievement. The recipient must have soloed and be actively involved in flight DC-3 and Convair in the late 50’s and early training. This year the MPA is offering two $500 scholarships. 60’s. He moved his family back to Mon- tana in 1961 and started his FBO, Skycraft, Montana Pilots Association Mountain Flying Scholarship - This recipient is chosen Inc., at the Lewistown airport. At various for outstanding interest in aviation, citizenship within their community and demon- times Skycraft was both a Cessna and strated academic achievement this $500 scholarship must be used for mountain flying Piper dealer. Willy operated Skycraft un- til his retirement for health reasons in instruction. 1999. Over the years, Willy was active in the Montana Pilots Association serving a Blue Goose First Generation Flight Scholarship – This $250 scholarship is awarded term as president of the organization. He to a first generation pilot to assist with flight training. This scholarship is designed to served as lead Search & Rescue Coordi- assist a person who has a love of aviation, yet had limited exposure to aviation, someone nator for the Montana Aeronautics Divi- from a non-aviation background/family. sion. He was active in the Civil Air Patrol. Willy was also the recipient of the Charles Michael D. Ferguson (More Darn Fun) Aviation Scholarship – This scholarship was Taylor Master Mechanic Award. established by the Montana Aeronautics Board in honor of Mike’s many years of hard Most of all though, Willy loved his work and dedication in the field of aviation. family, he loved Montana and he loved fly- ing in Montana. He is survived by his wife Montana 99’s Flight Scholarship – This $300 scholarship is to be used towards earn- Pat of Lewistown. Two daughters, ing a private pilots certificate. The applicant must be female and obtained her medical Marilyn Bersuch of Lewistown and certificate and student pilot certificate. The training must be completed in Montana and Valerie Kellogg of Conrad. One son, Ron the license obtained within two years. Send a one-page letter stating your reasons for Rimby of Harrisburg, SD. Seven grand- wishing to be a pilot, financial need, and your financial plan for completing the rating. children and one great-grandchild. Also send one letter of reference and a copy of your current medical certificate. 7 Calgary/Kalispell Flights Take Off

With approval by the Federal Aviation Administration, a new flight service between Kalispell and Calgary, Alberta, began on November 1. SkyXpress Airline, owned and operated by Flight-Ops International, Inc. began with flights three times a week, accord- ing to Bob Brown, Vice President in charge of operations. That could quickly expand, if business is what Brown thinks it will be. The flights will leave from Edwards Jet Center at Glacier Park International Airport, connecting with a similar facility at the Calgary airport. The arrangement is both more cost-effective than using the main terminal and will expedite security checks, Brown said. Both U.S. and Canadian customs departments have “gone out of their way” to ac- commodate the airline, he said. He said the flights will cost about $200. They include in-flight service on the 19-passenger planes. “We’re starting small,” he said. But if de- mand warrants it, the service could send two full planes across the border. Thirty-two hundred copies of this public document were produced at an estimated cost of 39 cents each, for a total cost of Glacier Park International Airport has 80 used $1,248. This includes $250 for production, runway edge lights including 30-inch standards $768 for postage and $230 for printing. with bases, the lenses, and the connectors. These items are ready on pallets and would be trans- The Department of Transportation at- ferred to any other Montana airport at no cost. tempts to provide reasonable For information call Monte Eliason (406) 257- accomodiations for any known disability 5994. that may interfere with a person partici- pating in any service, program or activity The Roundup Airport has Runway Lights and of the Department. Alternative accessible one Runway Light Regulator available at no formats of this document will be provided cost, for more information contact Orville upon request. For further information call Moore at (406) 323-1011. (406)444-2506 or TDD (406)444-7696.

November, 2002 Pre-Sort Standard US Postage Paid Helena, MT 59620 Permit No. 141

PO Box 5178 Helena, Montana 59604-5178